England 1966 World Cup win, 50th anniversary - what Three Lions did after Wembley triumph - Mirror Online England 1966 World Cup win, 50th anniversary - what Three Lions did after Wembley triumph Here, we run the rule over how England's men followed up on that World Cup win Share Top row left to right: trainer Harold Shepherdson, Nobby Stiles, Roger Hunt, Gordon Banks, Jack Charlton, George Cohen, Ray Wilson, Manager Alf Ramsey, and bottom row, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, Alan Ball and Bobby Charlton (Photo: Getty) Share Get football updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email The class of 1966 still remain England's sole side to lift a trophy at a major tournament. Here, we run the rule over how England's men followed up on that World Cup win. GORDON BANKS Went on to win 73 England caps and make 628 club appearances in a 15-year career. Still famed for his stunning save from Pele's header in England's 1970 World Cup clash with Brazil.

Helped Stoke to the 1972 League Cup though lost the sight in one eye in a car crash in October later that same year, that ultimately ended his professional career. Enjoyed a brief managerial stint with Telford United. Gordon Banks is considered England's greatest ever goalkeeper (Photo: Getty) Read More Watch Next GEORGE COHEN Fulham defender Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having amassed 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club. Cohen struggled with bowel cancer for 14 years in the 1980s. He later opted to sell his World Cup winner's medal, though Fulham purchased the item to display it at Craven Cottage. Nephew Ben Cohen helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Awarded the MBE in 2000. George Cohen was awarded the MBE in 2000 JACK CHARLTON Made 629 appearances for Leeds and collected 35 England caps, before turning attention to a successful managerial career. After stints with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, Charlton stepped up to lead the Republic of Ireland.

Charlton led the Irish to the last 16 of World Cup 1994, his side falling 2-0 to Holland. Appointed an OBE in 1974 and awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996, being made a freeman of the city of Dublin in 1994. Still lives in his native north east. Jack Charlton collected 35 England caps (Photo: Getty) BOBBY MOORE Widely accepted as England's greatest centre-half and one of the best anywhere of all time, the World Cup-winning captain died from bowel and liver cancer in February 1993, aged 51. Won 108 caps for England, representing West Ham with distinction, before enjoying spells at Fulham and in America. Moore's widow Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund in 1993, to raise money for research into bowel cancer and raise public awareness of the disease. Bobby Moore - captain, leader, legend (Photo: Getty) RAY WILSON England's left-back has kept the lowest profile of the 1966 winners.

Wilson built a successful undertaker's business in Huddersfield after his football career, but retired from his second career in 1997. Lives in Slaithwaite near Huddersfield. Ray Wilson went on to build a successful undertakers business in Huddersfield NOBBY STILES Midfielder Stiles ended up with 28 England caps but went on to rack up 392 appearances for Manchester United before a move to Middlesbrough in 1971. A career in coaching followed, with two stints at Preston, before a short-lived tenure at West Brom. Stiles worked as a youth team coach at Manchester United between 1989 and 1993, helping oversee the development of the renowned class of '92 that included the likes of David Beckham and the Neville brothers. Nobby Stiles, England's talented midfielder, helped guide Man United's Class of '92 (Photo: Getty) ALAN BALL Ball died of a heart attack in April 2007, aged 61. The combative midfielder excelled in stints with Blackpool, Everton and Arsenal, while also winning 72 England caps.

After more than 800 club appearances Ball then moved into management, twice taking charge at Portsmouth along with stints at Southampton and Manchester City. Alan Ball sadly passed away at the age of 61 in 2007 SIR BOBBY CHARLTON Jack's younger brother Bobby continues to sit on Manchester United's board of directors, remaining a fixture at Old Trafford matches. The 78-year-old Ashington native racked up 106 England caps between 1958 and 1970, before short managerial stints with Preston and Wigan. Bobby Charlton racked up 106 caps for his country (Photo: Getty) MARTIN PETERS Moved into the insurance business after retiring from football in 1983, following 67 England caps and lengthy stints with West Ham, Tottenham and Norwich. Sat on Tottenham's board of directors in the late 1990s and continues to attend Spurs matches even though he has since stepped down from his formal role.

Martin Peters scored in the 1966 World Cup final (Photo: Getty) SIR GEOFF HURST Still the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Hurst made more than 400 appearances for West Ham and won 49 England caps. Short-lived managerial stints with Telford United, Chelsea and even a foray into club management in Kuwait punctuated work in the insurance trade after his playing career. Lives in Cheltenham. Geoff Hurst is the only man to have ever scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final (Photo: Getty) ROGER HUNT Liverpool stalwart Hunt made more than 400 appearances for the Anfield club, along with winning 34 caps for England. Held Liverpool's club scoring record until overhauled by Ian Rush. Joined his family's haulage business after retiring from football. SIR ALF RAMSEY, MANAGER The former Southampton and Tottenham full-back continued at the England helm until 1974, after the 1966 triumph. Ramsey lost his national job after England failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.

Stints at Birmingham and Panathinaikos followed, before he spent his retirement in Ipswich. Ramsey died in April 1999 aged 79, less than a year after suffering a stroke, and after battling Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer. Top row left to right: trainer Harold Shepherdson, Nobby Stiles, Roger Hunt, Gordon Banks, Jack Charlton, George Cohen, Ray Wilson, Manager Alf Ramsey, and bottom row, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore, Alan Ball and Bobby Charlton (Photo: Getty) poll loading Justice at last for England's forgotten men of 1966 | Daily Mail Online Justice at last for England's forgotten men of 1966 comments The forgotten boys of '66 finally got their World Cup winners' medals yesterday, 43 years on but still better late than never. Not even the Tube strike could prevent Greavsie and the saints who were England's uncomplaining reserves that glorious summer Saturday long ago from being presented with their gongs.

Better late than never: The non-playing squad members from England's 1966 World Cup Final triumph receive their medals at Downing Street Instead of climbing the steps to the Royal Box to receive their deserved if belated honours - just the way Bobby Moore led Alf Ramsey's Final XI after beating West Germany - they were wheeled into No 10 as propaganda fodder. It was Gordon Brown who pulled off that shameless masterstroke in self-promotion. A Prime Minister so desperate to cling to a last few months in power that he is resorting to celebrity gimmicks seized upon this poignant moment in English football history as a photo-opportunity. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share But the picture on the Downing Street doorstep is one of delight. The faces of the Remembered Ones are beaming with sheer happiness. Justice has been done to them at last and perhaps, since football has moved now into the squad era in which the second-string men are crucial to the team effort, the timing is somewhat appropriate. Had the use of substitutes been introduced before 1966 then more of these yeomen of the English game would have made their contributions on the hallowed turf rather than by keeping themselves in a state of readiness.

Jimmy Greaves is given a rapturous welcome as he walks out on to the Wembley pitch No one was more appreciative of their contribution than their exemplary leader on the pitch. It was skipper Moore who insisted that the win bonus offered the players by the Football Association, a paltry £22,000, should be spread equally at £1,000 for each member of the 22-man squad - whether they played or not. The recipients have changed significantly in appearance from the slim athletes of the mid-60s, but their names and faces are familiar to millions of England fans. The circus did roll on to Wembley but the grand old stagers could not be introduced before the new England kicked off their World Cup qualifying formality against Andorra. After the delay of nearly 43 years, the lads had to wait another 45 minutes to show their medals to the crowd. Their team bus from Westminster to Wembley was held up in the traffic and their parade on the pitch had to be put back to half-time. Those now-venerable, grey haired gentlemen walked out to affectionate applause, with the loudest cheer going to the legendary Jimmy Greaves.

That such a presentation could not have been conducted by Bobby Moore brings home the argument that this ceremony, no matter where it happened, did not take place a moment too soon. Glory: Bobby Moore lifts the World Cup at Wembley Moore died before previous, heel-dragging politicians got around to conferring upon the captain the knighthood that should have been his by right. Sir Alf lived long enough to be called to the Palace but his winning medal had to be conferred posthumously - and therefore collected by George Cohen - yesterday. Fortunately Moore, Ramsey and Alan Ball have not yet been joined in heaven's dressing room by the other recipients. Namely: goalscoring ace Greaves, denied his place in the match after injury; the trio of John Connelly, Terry Paine and Ian Callaghan, who were tried on the England wings in the early group games against Uruguay, Mexico and France but then omitted; non-playing back-up men Ron Springett, Peter Bonetti, Jimmy Armfield, Gerry Byrne, Ron Flowers, Norman Hunter and George Eastham. The modern culture of awarding medals to all players and officials involved with World Cup squads - from the manager to the kit-man - was not prevalent in 1966.

Still, the families of Harold Shepherdson and Les Cocker were invited to Downing Street to pick up medals for Ramsey's late trainers. Critics of FIFA president Sepp Blatter might note that it was he, personally, who approved this retrospective act of recognition and came to London to oversee the operation. Belated it was, but this gesture was too richly deserved to be hijacked by Mr Brown. Still, better late - and probably better exploited - than never. As Sir Alf Ramsey's bit-part players finally received their World Cup winners' medals, RICHARD WEEKES looks at the 'other' Boys of '66... Enlarge 1 JOHN CONNELLY (age 70). Winger with Burnley, Manchester United, Blackburn and Bury. Won 20 England caps. Later owned a fish and chip shop, 'Connelly's Plaice' 2 JIMMY ARMFIELD (age 73). Right back who spent his whole career at Blackpool. Capped 43 times. Managed Bolton and Leeds, who he led to the 1975 European Cup final. A pundit on Radio 5 Live these days. 3 GEORGE EASTHAM (age 72).

Son of a famous football family, a midfielder for Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke. Fought and won a court battle against the retain-andtransfer system while at Newcastle that helped secure freedom of movement for footballers. Won 23 England caps. Emigrated to South Africa in 1978. 4 IAN CALLAGHAN (age 67). Liverpool born and bred, holds Anfield record with 640 appearances, before winding down at Fort Lauderdale, Swansea and Crewe. 5 GERRY BYRNE (age 70). Another Liverpool oneclub man, the full back earned his place in Anfield folklore for playing 87 minutes of the 1965 Cup final against Leeds with a broken collarbone. First choice Ray Wilson limited him to two England caps. 6 NORMAN HUNTER (age 65). Known as 'Bites Yer Legs' for his tough tackling, Hunter was a key defender in Don Revie's Leeds side. Capped 28 times. Later worked in local radio, and as after-dinner speaker. 7 GEOFF THOMPSON Former FA chairman. 8 JIMMY GREAVES (age 69).

Phenomenal goalscorer for Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, Not picked by Ramsey for the 1966 World Cup final, which contributed to his battle with alcoholism. Scored 44 goals in his 57 games for England. Newspaper columnist and TV presenter alongside Liverpool forward Ian St John in Saint and Greavsie. 9 TERRY PAINE (age 70). Winger who played a club-record 713 league matches for Southampton, scoring 160 goals. Fell victim to Ramsey's 'wingless wonders' system. Later moved to South Africa, and helped secure them the 2010 World Cup. 10 RON SPRINGETT (age 73). Made his name as a goalkeeper with Sheffield Wednesday, winning 33 England caps before Gordon Banks made the position his own. 11 RON FLOWERS (age 74). Oldest member of 1966 squad, played as a central defender for Stan Cullis's Wolves side. His sports shop, Ron Flowers Sports, still trades in central Wolverhampton. 12 GEORGE COHEN (age 69).

Right back in 1966, Cohen yesterday received a winner's medal on behalf of England manager, the late Sir Alf Ramsey, who died in 1999. Uncle to England's rugby union World Cup winner Ben Cohen, George auctioned his own winner's medal - Fulham bought it. 13 PETER BONETTI (age 67). Chelsea goalkeeper whose seven-cap England career is largely remembered for just one match. Bonetti replaced Gordon Banks, who had food poisoning, for England's 1970 World Cup quarter-final against West Germany in Mexico, and he took some of the blame for allowing a 2-0 lead to become a 3-2 defeat. 14 MARGARET SHEPHERDSON. Widow of Harold Shepherdson, Ramsey's long-term assistant. 'Shep' died in 1995. 15 LINDA SPRAGGON. Daughter of Harold Shepherdson. 16 LEE COCKER. Grandson of Les Cocker, the England and Leeds trainer, who died in 1979. 17 DAVID COCKER. Son of Les Cocker.

BBC SPORT | Fun and Games | Name Game | Name game Fun and Games 38. From Leonard to Cohen By Kevin Darling This week's link takes us from Justin Leonard to Ben Cohen in six steps. And what about suggestions for next week's Tour de France task: Lucas NEILL to Tyler HAMILTON. Remember, the best effort wins a very exciting mystery prize! LEONARD-COHEN Justin Leonard Was a big hit in 1997 but has done nothing of note since, making him the golfing equivalent of... Peter Andre Hunky Australian who was never seen without his six-pack, making him the musical equivalent of... George Best Serial boozer who has achieved the feat of marrying someone half his age, making him the footballing equivalent of... Chris Evans Mouthy ginger who has been involved in a drawn-out Virgin dispute, making him the light entertainment equivalent of... Cameron from Big Brother Religious fanatic with a squeaky-clean image, making him the reality TV equivalent of... The Pope Who, despite being on the wane, still gives rousing speeches to large groups of people, making him the theological equivalent of Armed Forces favourite...

Jim Davidson Who has a large following among frisky housewives and is also a renowned right-winger, making him the comedy equivalent of England rugby star... Ben Cohen. Our winner is Chris Wheatley from New Zealand for his link from Leonard to Cohen (see below). A mystery prize is on its way! Justin Leonard Shares a first name with squeaky-voiced... News filters through of Christina Aguilera's accident Justin Timberlake Who once shared something with squeaky clean... Britney Spears Who shares something with Marilyn Monroe - her real middle name... Jean A guy's name in France, land of Champagne, Caviar and... Michel Platini France's greatest football player, who was just 10 years old when England won the... 1966 World Cup Among the heroes that day was Fulham full-back... George Cohen Whose nephew will also be bringing home a World Cup winner's medal later this year; Northampton and England rugby winger... Ben Cohen. Thanks for all your Leonard-Cohen alternatives - here's a selection of the best: Ian Dellbridge, UK Justin Leonard 1997 Open champion, but missed the cut at Sandwich last weekend after carding 151 over the first two days.

Someone who seemingly never missed a cut was... Conor McLeod Played by "actor" Christopher Lambert, his mantra "there can be only one" led to decapitation frenzy with the other immortals in the film... Highlander In which the beheading scene meant the production crew must have needed an item only just attached to the torso and which would fall off when the cut with the sword; a sort of... Loose head prop Position sometimes occupied for England and Harlequins by Justin's namesake and Ben's international colleague... Jason Leonard Part of England's front row; three brutes who must appear to their opponents like the proverbial brick (ahem)... Walls A company famous for its sausages and its ice cream. Competitors in the latter market are American firm... Ben and Jerry's The co-founder (not Jerry) of which has exactly the same name as England and Northampton winger... Ben Cohen. Won the 1997 Open, which was won this year by unknown rookie... Ben Curtis Who hails from a town in Ohio called Kent, the English county which was for many years the home of...

Rolf Harris pipped Ozzy to the Animal Hospital job Charles Dickens Whose most famous work, Oliver Twist, first appeared in 1837, the year of the accession of... Queen Victoria Who passed away at Osborne House, which more or less shares its name with mad rocker... Ozzy Osbourne Whose fellow Black Sabbath band member Rob Halford shouldn't be confused with... Ray Harford One-time manager of Fulham FC, the club of World Cup winner... George Cohen Ben Cohen. Remember, next week's link is from NEILL to HAMILTON. Most of you should know Neil Hamilton as the disgraced former Tory MP and hen-pecked husband of Christine. Can you make the connection using SIX links? E-mail us NOW using the form at the top of the page!

Where are they now - England's 1966 World Cup winners - Daily Nation Where are they now - England's 1966 World Cup winners Thursday July 28 2016 email print This file photo taken on July 30, 1966 shows England's national football team captain Bobby Moore holding aloft the Jules Rimet trophy as he is carried by his teammates following England's victory over Germany (4-2 in extra time) in the World Cup final 30 July 1966 at Wembley Stadium in London. PHOTO | FILE | AFP In Summary Gordon Banks Playing career all but ended when he lost an eye in a car crash in 1972. Bobby Moore ended his playing days at Carolina Lightnin' in the USA. Ala Ball. The flame-haired squeaky-voiced babe of the team and second of the 11 to pass away. He died of a heart attack while trying to put out a fire in his garden which had spread from his bonfire to the fence of the garden.

Advertisement More by this Author LONDON AFP Sport looks at what happened to the 11 players and manager Alf Ramsey following their success in the 1966 World Cup: Gordon Banks (born Dec 30, 1937) Playing career all but ended when he lost an eye in a car crash in 1972. His nephew Nick Banks is the drummer for top British band Pulp. Life hasn't been kind to him generally. Lost a lot of money in a company and subsequently sold his winner's medal and the international cap from the final. Has had two bouts of kidney cancer. Has been honoured in several ways including a statue of his extraordinary save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup. George Cohen (born Oct 22 1939) Remarkably similar to Banks in certain respects, although he didn't make it to the 1970 World Cup. However, he has had three cancer battles and also through financial hardship had to sell his winner's medal which his beloved Fulham bought. They are to erect a statue in his honour. Suffered personal tragedy when his brother was killed outside a nightclub in 2000.

His nephew Ben won the Rugby World Cup three years later. Cohen is now raising money for dementia as four of his team-mates from 1966 have been diagnosed with Alzheimers or significant memory loss which some attribute to the impact of heading the then far heavier ball. Related Content Half a century on, Germans still dispute THAT goal Bobby Moore (capt, born April 12, 1941 - died Feb 24, 1993) Ended his playing days at Carolina Lightnin' in the USA. Management didn't suit him well, ending in 1986 — the same year as he divorced his first wife and mother of his two children — after two seasons with Southend. Appeared in the fun film caper 'Escape to Victory' alongside Pele and British film great Michael Caine. Died of liver and bowel cancer in 1993. "I only ever cried over two people, (former Leeds star) Billy Bremner and Bob... (long pause) He was a lovely man," commented tough as teak defender Jack Charlton on a BBC documentary of Moore's life.

Jack Charlton (born May 8, 1935) One of the rare birds of the team to go on and experience success as a manager, not of England but of the Republic of Ireland. The unlikeliest of love affairs which saw him dubbed 'Saint Jack' helped no end by a 1-0 win over England in the Euro '88 finals — the first time the Irish had qualified — and a run to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals. He stretched the rules regarding Irish heritage to the limit in obtaining players and wasn't great at names, referring to Tony Cascarino as 'the man with an ice cream seller's name' when he forgot it. Has partially made up with brother Bobby after a feud. It got so bad that Bobby admitted 'I don't want to know him (Jack)'. However, they do see each other occasionally now. Ray Wilson (born Dec 17, 1934) One of the quartet diagnosed with Alzheimers or significant memory loss. Enjoyed a successful time post football....running an undertakers and joinery business.

According to his wife Pat, Wilson — who was christened Ramon in honour of the Mexican silent movie star Ramon Navarro — wakes up every morning now and sings a Frank Sinatra song and has developed an interest in sketching. "He's happy and if he's happy, I'm happy. It's as simple as that," she told the Daily Mirror this year. Nobby Stiles (born May 18, 1942) Not the most enjoyable of times since retiring as a player, suffered from depression during his time in charge of West Brom. Another to sell his winner's medal and also his European Cup winner's medal which were both bought by his old club Manchester United. However, his handling of the United youth team bore rich results in the shape of David Beckham, Paul Scholes etc. Suffered a stroke and then prostate cancer and in 2012 was diagnosed with Alzheimers, although it only became public last year. "I know Nobby is loved but it is hard to understand the level of interest and we just want some peace," said his wife Kay.

Alan Ball (born May 12, 1945 - died April 25, 2007) The flame-haired squeaky-voiced babe of the team and second of the 11 to pass away. He died of a heart attack while trying to put out a fire in his garden which had spread from his bonfire to the fence of the garden. His wife — and mother of their three children — pre-deceased him in 2004. He also sold his winner's medal and commemorative cap. Managed with a certain amount of success in the old First Division and then its successor the Premier League Portsmouth, bitter rivals Southampton as well as Manchester City. Bobby Charlton (born Oct 11, 1937) Eminence grise of Manchester United. Lacked streetwise politics though when it came to dealing with the now disgraced FIFA Executive Board in the failed English bid for the 2006 World Cup but was part of the 2012 Olympic Games bid. Knighted in 1994 he didn't speak to his mother Cissie from 1992 until her death because of the animosity between her and his wife Norma.

Still a stalwart representative of Manchester United. Started a charity aimed at clearing landmines. "When I went, I saw the absolute mayhem that these mines cause," he said after paying a visit to Bosnia's capital Sarajevo. "I was coming back on the aeroplane and I thought 'there must be a better way'." Geoff Hurst (born Dec 8, 1941) The second of the World Cup knights...and still the only man to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Dabbled in management first with Chelsea and then with a Kuwaiti club side but returned to insurance sales after being sent packing by the Kuwaitis. Played a part in the unsuccessful 2006 World Cup bid. Has been memorialised in two sculptures, one in Manchester and one near his former club West Ham's former ground. Martin Peters (born Nov 8, 1943) Became first player to cost £200,000 when he signed for Spurs from West Ham in 1970. Following his retirement, though, like his former Hammers team-mate Hurst he opted to go into the insurance business.

He also did the odd bit of TV punditry and wrote a well-received biography 'The Ghost of '66 - The Autobiography'. Another of the side to be diagnosed with Alzheimers, this time in 2013. "Dad hasn't been to any of the 1966 celebration dinners so far. We had to pull him out," his daughter Leann told the Daily Mirror in April. "We don't talk about it in front of him either. He wouldn't admit he has dementia. If we say that to him he says 'there's nothing wrong with me'." Roger Hunt (born July 20, 1938) Another to avoid the pitfalls of management — he said he didn't think he had the temperament for it — and opted instead to go into the family haulage firm which he has made a success of. Still Liverpool's all-time leading league goal scorer, he is often referred to as 'Sir Roger' although Queen Elizabeth II hasn't seen fit to award him a knighthood.

Alf Ramsey (born Jan 22, 1920 - died April 28, 1999) Ramsey did get a knighthood but precious little thanks at the end of his reign when England failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup finals. "The most incredible thing that ever happened in English football," opined Ball afterwards regarding Ramsey's poor treatment by the FA. Developed Alzheimers disease, was content to live a reclusive life watching westerns with his wife in Ipswich before moving to a nursing home and dying of a heart attack. If Ben's dad was still alive he'd have set him straight about his marriage; '66 WORLD CUP ACE GEORGE ON NEPHEW BEN; EXCLUSIVE. - Free Online Library If Ben's dad was still alive he'd have set him straight about his marriage; '66 WORLD CUP ACE GEORGE ON NEPHEW BEN; EXCLUSIVE.

Page URL: HTML link: <a href=" Citations: MLA style: "If Ben's dad was still alive he'd have set him straight about his marriage; '66 WORLD CUP ACE GEORGE ON NEPHEW BEN; EXCLUSIVE.." The Free Library. 2016 MGN LTD 20 Jan. 2017 Chicago style: The Free Library. S.v. If Ben's dad was still alive he'd have set him straight about his marriage; '66 WORLD CUP ACE GEORGE ON NEPHEW BEN; EXCLUSIVE.." Retrieved Jan 20 2017 from APA style: If Ben's dad was still alive he'd have set him straight about his marriage; '66 WORLD CUP ACE GEORGE ON NEPHEW BEN; EXCLUSIVE.. (n.d.) >The Free Library. (2014). Retrieved Jan 20 2017 from Byline: WARREN MANGER Had it not been for his father's advice, George Cohen might have been a boxer rather than a footballer. But he certainly made the right choice.

George is widely regarded as England's best-ever right back and was one of those legendary lions including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and the Charlton brothers who won the 1966 World Cup. But the 76-year-old's big regret is that his brother Peter never got to give the same fatherly advice to his own son, Rugby World Cup winner and Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen. Peter died aged 58 after being attacked by thugs while trying to break up a fight outside a Northampton nightclub in 2000. George's nephew Ben, now 37, was just 22 at the time. Former Fulham legend George says: "I feel sorry for Ben. He didn't have that leadership after his dad died. Peter was a very strong figure. I think he would have put Ben right on a few things." Those things no doubt might have included Ben's highly publicised split with Abby, 37, his wife of 13-years and mother to his two children. And the advice might also have touched on his romance with Strictly partner Kristina Rihanoff, with whom he's just had a baby daughter. The new family were pictured out in Northampton last week.

George met Kristina, 38, at his old club Fulham earlier this year when Ben brought her to a match. But they had little chance to talk amid crowds of flocking fans. He says: "I was surprised when Ben signed up for Strictly because I didn't think he would have the agility. "But I thought he was wonderful. And the fact he's a good-looking boy didn't hurt in those outfits. "Unfortunately his marriage didn't go any further and what's happened recently hasn't gone down too well with the public. "He's a mature guy and doesn't have to answer to any of us. "But there are times when you want to talk to your father about things." Football is famous for meaningless cliches but when George likens his own life to a "rollercoaster", it is true. His mother was killed when she was run over by a juggernaut in 1971. Five years later, George was diagnosed with bowel cancer, aged 36, after he was struck down by crippling fatigue while out running near his home in Tunbridge Wells. He battled and beat the disease three times over the next five years - despite being warned to expected the worst.

George, who has been married to wife Daphne for 53 years, recalls: "My world was turned upside down. I was a world champion and I was still very fit. "One day I felt invincible and the next the doctors put me in a side room at the Royal Marsden and started talking about getting my affairs in order. "Daphne told the doctors, 'We're not getting his affairs in order, because he's not going anywhere'." A series of ops during his first two cancer battles removed so much of George's bowel he needed a colostomy bag. He stubbornly attempted to take part in a few charity football matches after the surgery but soon realised his limits. The last time his "horrendously painful" cancer returned, at 41, it was too near his spine to operate. He received so much radiotherapy it damaged his nerve endings and four decades later the effects still haunt him. He needs help to walk now and arrives for our interview leaning on two sticks. And yet, remarkably, having been given the all-clear in 1990, he still enjoys better health than many of his fellow legends.

Of the nine finalists still alive, Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson all have Alzheimer's while Jack Charlton is suffering from memory loss. Goalkeeper Gordon Banks is fighting kidney cancer for the second time. And Jimmy Greaves - one of England's most prolific goalscorers of all time, who was unlucky to miss that famous final - has withdrawn from the public eye after suffering a devastating stroke. George says: "It does weigh heavy seeing so many of my teammates struggling, especially Jimmy - we go back 60 years. We are old men now, we've all got something wrong with us. "I was with Jack a couple of days ago and he's mellowed a great deal. I no longer get the feeling he wants to drill m e in the head every time he looks at me!" The loss of his friend and captain Bobby Moore made George realise how lucky he was. Bobby was just 51 when he died from bowel cancer - the same disease George survived. Bobby had already beaten testicular cancer to lead England to glory, but this time he was denied a fighting chance because doctors initially misdiagnosed his illness as irritable bowel syndrome.

George says: "I can't imagine what it was like for Bobby and his family knowing he'd been misdiagnosed. It was hard watching him decline." George has two sons and five grandchildren and his chest visibly swells with pride when he speaks of them. And he still treasures the memories of England's World Cup victory, saying: "You can't imagine the euphoria before the final. "Then coming out of the dressing room all we could hear was a beehive-like noise at the end of the tunnel. "When we hit the open air the noise, movement and colour blew everything out of your mind. "When the final whistle went I was in shock. The next thing I knew I was on the floor with Nobby Stiles giving me a big, toothless kiss. Now I know what it's like to be kissed by Mick Jagger!" The team became national treasures but got little official recognition. The Football Association gave the squad just PS22,000 to split between them and did not invite their wives to the victors' banquet. George and four of his team mates had to wait 34 years before they were invited to the Palace to receive MBEs.

"That's a big joke with Ben, because when he won the World Cup the whole squad got MBEs within months," says George, talking of his nephew's 2003 Rugby World Cup win. "I don't know what you have to do to get a knighthood!" Like many of his teammates, George eventually sold his World Cup winner's medal to provide for his family. But he brings along a glinting gold replacement the Daily Mirror had struck for him, clutching it tightly. And he says: "I thought that was an incredible gesture from the Mirror. "In some ways its better than the original - it's bigger and has more gold in it. "It has a very special place in my heart, just like my World Cup memories.

I'll never part with either of them." warren.manger@mirror.co.uk "Ben was great on TV but what's happened hasn't gone down well GEORGE COHEN UNCLE OF STRICTLY STAR BEN CAPTION(S): PARTNERS With Kristina on TV's Strictly I'M SO PROUD George shows Mirror's medal DEVOTION George and wife Daphne DAD PETER His father died after an attack NEW BABY Couple stroll in Northampton COPYRIGHT 2016 MGN LTD No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder. Copyright 2016 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Article Details Where are our world cup winners, 50 years on? - Blackpool Gazette Wyre Where are our world cup winners, 50 years on? File photo dated 30-07-1966 of The England team which won the World Cup in the final at Wembley. Left to right: Harold Shepherdson (trainer); George Cohen; Martin Peters; Gordon Banks; Alan Ball; Bobby Moore (captain); Norbert (Nobby) Stiles.

Front row: Bobby Charlton; Roger Hunt; Geoff Hurst; Ray Wilson; Jackie Charlton. PIC: PA/PA Wire. 10:00 Saturday 30 July 2016 IT was 50 years ago today England lifted the world cup – with more than a little help from Blackpool Football Club’s combative midfielder Alan Ball. The class of 1966 still remain England’s sole side to lift a trophy at a major tournament. Alan Ball Here, we take a look at how England’s men followed up on that World Cup win. ALAN BALL: Sadly, Ball died of a heart attack in April 2007, aged 61. The battling midfielder excelled in his stint at Blackpool, and was equally as good at Everton and Arsenal afterwards, while also winning 72 England caps. After more than 800 club appearances Ball then moved into management, twice taking charge at Portsmouth along with stints at Southampton and Manchester City. But he first came to prominence at Blackpool after his dad helped him earn a contract.

Given a trial in 1961, the Seasiders snapped him up, and he turned professional the following year, making his debut in a 2-1 win over Liverpool – at Anfield. The match saw him become Blackpool’s youngest ever dubutant in the league. Ball would return to Blackpool in 1980 as player-manager, after his time at Everton, Arsenal, Southampton and a stint in the North American Soccer League, with Philadelphia Fury and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Sadly, his managerial spell at Blackpool was not the best time for the club. The Seasiders finished 18th in the league thanks to four wins in the last six games, to ensure survival. The following season saw Ball continue looking to younger players and by February he left the club with fans turning on their hero. Blackpool would be relegated at the end of the season. GORDON BANKS: Went on to win 73 England caps and make 628 club appearances in a 15-year career. Still famed for his stunning save from Pele’s header in England’s 1970 World Cup clash with Brazil.

Helped Stoke to the 1972 League Cup though lost the sight in one eye in a car crash in October later that same year, that ultimately ended his professional career. Enjoyed a brief managerial stint with Telford United. GEORGE COHEN: Fulham defender Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having amassed 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club. Cohen struggled with bowel cancer for 14 years in the 1980s. He later opted to sell his World Cup winner’s medal, though Fulham purchased the item to display it at Craven Cottage. Nephew Ben Cohen helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Awarded the MBE in 2000. JACK CHARLTON: Made 629 appearances for Leeds and collected 35 England caps, before turning attention to a successful managerial career. After stints with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, Charlton stepped up to lead the Republic of Ireland. Charlton led the Irish to the last 16 of World Cup 1994, his side falling 2-0 to Holland.

Appointed an OBE in 1974 and awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996, being made a freeman of the city of Dublin in 1994. Still lives in his native north east. BOBBY MOORE: Widely accepted as England’s greatest centre-half and one of the best anywhere of all time, the World Cup-winning captain died from bowel and liver cancer in February 1993, aged 51. Won 108 caps for England, representing West Ham with distinction, before enjoying spells at Fulham and in America. Moore’s widow Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund in 1993, to raise money for research into bowel cancer and raise public awareness of the disease. RAY WILSON: England’s left-back has kept the lowest profile of the 1966 winners. Wilson built a successful undertaker’s business in Huddersfield after his football career, but retired from his second career in 1997. Lives in Slaithwaite near Huddersfield.

NOBBY STILES: Midfielder Stiles ended up with 28 England caps but went on to rack up 392 appearances for Manchester United before a move to Middlesbrough in 1971. A career in coaching followed, with two stints at Preston, before a short-lived tenure at West Brom. Stiles worked as a youth team coach at Manchester United between 1989 and 1993, helping oversee the development of the renowned class of ‘92 that included the likes of David Beckham and the Neville brothers. SIR BOBBY CHARLTON: Jack’s younger brother Bobby continues to sit on Manchester United’s board of directors, remaining a fixture at Old Trafford matches. The 78-year-old Ashington native racked up 106 England caps between 1958 and 1970, before short managerial stints with Preston and Wigan. MARTIN PETERS: Moved into the insurance business after retiring from football in 1983, following 67 England caps and lengthy stints with West Ham, Tottenham and Norwich.

Sat on Tottenham’s board of directors in the late 1990s and continues to attend Spurs matches even though he has since stepped down from his formal role. SIR GEOFF HURST: Still the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Hurst made more than 400 appearances for West Ham and won 49 England caps. Short-lived managerial stints with Telford United, Chelsea and even a foray into club management in Kuwait punctuated work in the insurance trade after his playing career. Lives in Cheltenham. ROGER HUNT: Liverpool stalwart Hunt made more than 400 appearances for the Anfield club, along with winning 34 caps for England. Held Liverpool’s club scoring record until overhauled by Ian Rush. Joined his family’s haulage business after retiring from football. SIR ALF RAMSEY, MANAGER: The former Southampton and Tottenham full-back continued at the England helm until 1974, after the 1966 triumph. Ramsey lost his national job after England failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.

Stints at Birmingham and Panathinaikos followed, before he spent his retirement in Ipswich. Ramsey died in April 1999 aged 79, less than a year after suffering a stroke, and after battling Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer. See more here:

Question: What is the family name of an England 1966 football world cup winner and his nephew, an England 2003 rugby union world cup winner?
Answer: COHEN